Polyflor Camaro

wobblegobble

Anyone have any of this in their house? I was initially trying to choose between Amtico and Karndean and couldn't make my mind up. I began researching vinyl tiles on the internet and discovered that apart from top of the range Amtico it's all virtually identical and manufactured in the East (supposedly all in the same factory, but I can't vouch for that).

Polyflor much cheaper though than other two due to lack of name recognition. Have only heard good things but wondering what fellow MSE'rs experiences have been?

DSmiffy

Hi wobblegobble, i used to work for a contract flooring company, we used this product regularly with no problems. Basically, the only difference between the Amtico and the Kardean is the thickness of the clear layer on top.
In both cases a photograph (if you like) of the pattern is placed onto a vinyl tile strip, lets say it's a wood look. On top of the photo is a clear layer, the only difference between the two products is the thickness of this clear layer. Amtico is thicker by only a couple of millimeters or so. The Kardean is more than thick enough for domestic use, you will NEVER wear the clear layer out.

One thing I would mention is, no matter which one you buy, the clear layer can still be stratched, by dog claws walking on the floor or dragging furniture etc, they can only be seen in front of a patio window in sunlight though, but for my money I'd go for the Karndean every time, for Amtico you pay more for the name.


By the way, Polyflor is actually quite a large company but they supply direct to the Trade usually which is why you're probably not as familiar with it.
Hope that helps

lifes-too-short

Hi there, I have Polyfloor Expona throughuot the hosue, its great for instant wipe up of spillages and look the part. As Smithy said it still does scratch. In certain tiles there is also small grain groves which accumalte a lot of dirt and only way I have found to remove the dirt is by using a buffing machine.

The floor has been down 3 years now and after a buff and shine it looks brand new. Cold during the winter and cool during the summer!!

Down_South

Hello, a newbie here. We had Karndean Knight tiles installed 5 years ago. They were well-fitted, BUT within 18 months all the tiles nearest the Patio Doors faded significantly. We contacted the installer, and he visited. He was helpful, but we all felt there was an inherent problem with the tiles. We had to win the war with the Karndean rep. from the area office to get them to pay for the strips to be replaced. The area in front of the Patio Doors has now lightened considerably. We are having them replaced with a spare box we have at our own expense. Two independent contractors have said that they have seen Karndean tiles fade. I hate the product, and will be glad when we redo the whole huge area. The problem is, with what? We have special glass in the conservatory, vertical blinds and draw the curtains when it is sunny. The floor is also regularly maintained. I look at the wretched floor every time i go into the kitchen! People generally seem pleased with their Karndean products. Interestingly enough, some manufacturers I have researched on the Internet do state that their products may fade in the sun.

banjo6969

Hi,
We have had Karndean installed in our dining room/hallway. We had 'hickory paprika' from their Art Select range (which is one of them more expensive ones).
I think it is fantastic. It still looks great, never really see any marks/scratches or scuffs in it. Easy to clean - and Karndeans 'official' cleaners really are worth the money even though they are expensive - if the floor starts to look dull they bring it back to its former glory.
We have just had an extension put on our house, and will be laying the same flooring in there.
You do here some horror stories, and i would not for one moment say they are not true - but you will find horror stories about any type of flooring.
Shop around for Karndean and you can get it at a decent price - we have bought our most recent batch from ebay - cost the equivalent of £26 p/sm which is way cheaper than even the best online companies which charge closer to £40 p/sm. This is an expensive Karndean plank too - so other ranges will be less.

wobblegobble

Thanks for replies. We went for the Polyflor Camaro in the end and had it installed last week. It looks absolutely fantastic and is identical to Karndean/Amtico in all but name. Sometimes you do just pay for the brand.....